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T. P. Snow, M. M. Drosback (University of Colorado, CASA), J. C. Barentine (Apache Point Observatory), L. M. Hobbs, D. G. York (University of Chicago)
The Red Rectangle is a unique reflection/emission nebula associated with the star HD 44179. The nebula has a rich emission spectrum, including several features that appear to be diffuse interstellar band transitions, making the Red Rectangle one of only two known environments where any of these bands are seen in emission. As part of our broad Apache Point Observatory survey of the diffuse bands, we have obtained multiple spectra of the Red Rectangle. We report here on the apparent diffuse band emission features, with discussion of the emission band profiles and how they vary with location in the nebula. We discuss the mismatch in wavelength between the blue edges of the observed emission bands and the interstellar absorption wavelengths; we show that the emission profiles vary both azimuthally and radially relative to the central star, suggesting a range of excitation conditions; and we suggest that the continuous extended red emission (ERE) from the nebula may be associated with the carriers of the diffuse interstellar bands.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 5
© 2004. The American Astronomical Society.